A few questions

imported
#1

I’m seriously considering a CT thru-hike this summer so here are a few questions:
Mags, I read you recently on the pct-l list talking about huge amounts of new snow in Colorado. I shouldn’t worry about snow as I’d be starting in late July but just in case, can snow still be a concern that late in the season?
I’ve ordered the guidebook. It seems written from the perspective of a traditional backpacking style (big pack, tent, heavy boots…). Since that’s my main source of info on the CT and I’ve never been to Colorado I must ask about feasability of a lightweight approach (trail running shoes, tarp, quilt…). They specifically mention the need for boots because of some talus areas. I also wonder about how easy/necessary it is to find sheltered spots for camp, does the route stay over tree line for long stretches? I have 4 weeks for the hike so I’d need to go light.
I’ll have more questions but that’s it for now. Thanks in advance!
Inaki

inaki

#2

Snow pack down south in the San Juans and LaGaritas is pretty stout this year, check the links for snow pack when you get the book. Most of your questions will be answered when you get that guide book. Much of the trail is above TL. The biggest challenge, after you acclimate, is lighting. The only state with more lightning than CO is FL. Be mindful of this, hike early in the day, hunker during storms, and hike after if you want. I have read about folks going ultralight up there, the challenge as always is supply. Trips to town will be far and few between in the southern ranges. Hitching is hit and miss, mostly because there might not be anyone around. If you go with a tarp, take a warmer bag. i would recommend the boots or something with ankle support, 'cause the cobbles and talus will turn yer ankles something fierce.

rob glasser

#3

I think boots are over rated for the CT. It is a very smooth hiking trail…heck I hiked off trail in he San Juans with sneakers. If you do the more traditional approach to backpacking, boots will be needed. As always, YMMV.

FWIW, my base packweight was less than 10 lbs on the CT, hiked in Nike Air Pegs sneakers. Was able to do the trail in 21 days (that included two longer alt. routes). I am pretty average as far as athelticism goes! (Somewhat short at 5’6", tend to have a stocky build). Guess if I can do it in 21 days, any person who is in decent health and wants to can as well…four weeks is doable for you! :slight_smile:

If you are concernred about lightning, hiking in the fall is the way to go. Start in mid-late August, finish by September. Even if you start in late July, a large snow pack WILL not be an issue. If you do hike inthe Fall, always a chance of a freak snowstorm.

I have my journal, photos and a handy-dandly little Colorado trail doc at my website. The doc has re-supply info and basic trail info as well. You may find it handy:

I strongly suggest getting the CT databook, BTW! Ounce for ounce and dollar for dollar, the most valuable book about the CT.

Finally, if you want to see my current gear list. It is more or less what I used on the CT (recently replaced the windshirt):

Mags

#4

I too hiked the CT with light shoes and pack. I used the guide book too (took it apart and carried the sections I needed) and had no problems with it. As Mags said, there’s no need to worry about snowpack that late in the year. There of course are periods above treeline but they don’t become extended until the San Juans. Even then, if you hike in the morning it’s not a problem especially at the pace that you’ll be travelling at. The trail always will dip into a valley after a while. I never had problems finding safe camping (sometimes with a little planning the day before).

zach attack

#5

Thanks all for the answers, very informative. Mags, I still check the pct-l regularly so I knew about your CT pdf and your website, great info too. I know that kind of already answered my questions but it’s always good to have first hand direct answers specific questions.

You’ll probably see more from me here but for the moment I’d like to know your view about acclimatization. Given I live at 2000 ft. and my mountain playground regularly takes me over 7.000 ft. and I’m quite fit I guess it shouldn’t take much trouble but I’ve never been that high so I really don’t know how my body will answer. Since I’d need to put in big miles from the very beginning, this becomes a concern. I welcome your views.

inaki

#6

I haven’t hiked the CT but I lived in the CO mountains for 4.5 years so I know a bit about acclimatization. When we had folks coming up to visit at school, some of them would get altitude sickness just from hanging around in Colorado Springs. Exertion makes it worse, so be sure you know the signs…headaches, nausea, dizziness, etc. The only real cure is to descend, so watch your body and find a lower elevation if motrin and water don’t take away your headache.

Also know about HAPE and HACE. We had a survival student die of HAPE while I was there. She was showing classic signs of dehydration so the instructors kept telling her to drink water, which obviously didn’t do any good. She was fit and had been living at 7200’ for a year, and this happened after about a week between 6500-9300’. Kinda a freak thing, but certainly something I’d be aware of for acclimatization purposes.

Just Jeff

#7

Jeff has some great tips.

I will add that drinking water BEFORE you get altitude sickness is a great way to help prevent altitude sickness. Dehydration is a quicker way to getting AS.

HAPE and HACE are something to keep in mind, but don’t get overally worried about it. You are starting in Denver at 5280 feet. Spend a day in Denver (or two if you can). At a 4 wk pace, you will be at 10k feet (Kenosha Pass) in 4-5 days once you start. Should give you enough time to acclimate.

Heck…people in worse shape than you and from lower elevation start the CT and do fine. :slight_smile: If you play at 7k feet, you are at the elevations for most of the start of te trail.

As Jeff said, listen to your body and take it safe. I think you’ll do fine!

Mags

#8

I spent 2 or 3 days in Boulder and climbed to 7000 once before my hike. I got to Breck in 6 days which means 15+ mile days from the beginning and had no problems whatsoever. My partner was not in nearly as good of shape as I was and had come straight from sea level and he had lots of problems and didn’t make it. It sounds like you’re plenty fit though. The trail is great in that it gains altitude very gradually over several days. Drink lots and lots of water and you should be just fine.

zach attack

#9

Inaki-
I hiked from Brekinridge to Silverton the year of the terrible fires and drought in '02. I have lived in Florida all of my life and was 45 yeras old and 45 lbs. overweight that summer. I never had any altitude sickness to speake of. I’m certain that, for me at least, it was because I hydrated frequently and copiusly. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate or die! In my opinion, frequent clear urination is the best sign of being properly hydrated.!Have a great trip. At least there should be plenty of moisture in the watershed for you. It was REEEEEL dry when I went.

Razor